Colleen Harris, 44, was given the top job at St James's Palace
in a move seen as a landmark in the history of the Royal Household.

She was chosen after impressing the prince by the way she held the
fort following the resignation of former press secretary Sandy Henney.

Henney quit after being blamed for failing to secure copyright over
Prince William's 18th birthday photographs.

Last night Colleen, who was born in Britain of Guyanese parents,
said: "It's a great privilege and a great job and I'm
looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"I've been working in the prince's household for the
last two years so I feel very much part of the furniture.

"In some ways it's a surprise to end up in this position,
but I'm looking forward to doing the job."

Mother-of-two Colleen, who is married to a self-employed
businessman, was given the job at the personal request of Prince
Charles.

Friends say she is irritated by what she considers unnecessary
emphasis on her colour.

But at the same time she is said to be privately delighted at her
role as an accidental trailblazer for greater equality.

She takes over responsibility for some of the most sensitive issues
confronting the monarchy, including media matters involving Princes
William and Harry.

Her move is the latest step in a highly successful career.

Colleen became the first black member of the Royal Household staff
two years ago when she was given the job of deputy press secretary.
Before that she was the first black press officer in Downing Street. She
worked as a civil servant for the then-Premier Margaret Thatcher and
later in the office of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Colleen beat a long list of applicants for the press secretary job,
which became vacant when Sandy Henney quit in June.

Palace sources said Prince Charles was impressed by the way she
handled the aftermath of the row over Prince William's 18th
birthday pictures which forced Henney's departure.

Colleen is also a popular choice among the prince's staff.

Friendly and outgoing, she has a good rapport with Charles and his
sons and has been trusted with handling Prince William's plans for
his gap year.

Among her first tasks, when she returns from holiday in a week,
will be to organise several photo-calls of 18-year-old William over the
next few months and the release of details about his choice of
university.

Earlier this year, Colleen proved herself to be a safe pair of
hands when, as Henney's deputy, she handled Charles's tour of
the Caribbean - her first foreign assignment. But the real test came
when she was unexpectedly thrust into the role of acting press secretary
during a time of upheaval in the prince's private office after
Henney left.

Other applicants were interviewed for the post by the prince's
private secretary Stephen Lamport.

But Colleen's popularity at St James's Palace and her
good relationship with the media made her the obvious candidate.

However, she was close to Henney and was known to feel
disillusioned over her boss's forced departure after seven years in
the job.

If there is any downside to Colleen's appointment, it is that
her friendly, trusting and cheerful personality may make it tough for
her to handle the rivalry and backbiting that exists behind the scenes
at St James's Palace.

Two new assistant press secretaries have also been appointed.

Patrick Harrison, currently assistant director in the press office
at the Department of Transport, will take up his post in September.

Kirsteen Clark, who is private secretary (presentation) to Scottish
Secretary John Reid, will start work in October.

Mr Harrison, 30, trained as a journalist and has worked as a press
officer in the Home Office.

He said: "I am looking forward to the exciting challenges
which this unique job will bring.

Miss Clarke, 28, worked as a journalist before joining the European
Commission in Brussels..

She has also worked as a press officer in the Scottish Office.

She said: "I am delighted to be joining the team at St
James's Palace in what, I am sure, will be a fascinating and
rewarding role."

Amanda Neville, 37, who was the office manager, now becomes a press
officer.

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